Kelowna is BC’s mini Napa Valley and it’s the prime time to visit. The area is well-known as BC’s wine region, but there’s more to it than wine-tasting (although, don’t miss the wine-tasting!).
The selection of restaurants does not compare to Vancouver, but they have their own charm; and when it comes to “farm-to-table” dining, they have become leaders.
The farm-to-table dining experience is everywhere nowadays, but in Kelowna it just tastes different. It’s an amazing place to experience BC’s harvest since many of our local orchard fruits are grown there. You’re right at the source of it all, so take advantage of it.
It’s a great weekend getaway and you don’t have to worry about getting taxed on the boxes of wine you’ll want to bring back. I recently explored the area a bit more as a guest of Tourism Kelowna on behalf of Food Bloggers of Canada, and here are a few things I recommend from my last visit.
Salted Brick
It’s a rather new, non-pretentious and rustic, yet sophisticated eatery open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. I’d recommend it for all three even though I’ve only tried their lunch. The slow roasted brisket sandwich with cheddar cheese and mustard would give some of Vancouver’s favourite sandwiches a run for their money.
The restaurant is known for handcrafted charcuterie using locally sourced free-range meat, and Chef Jason Leizert is great at using every scrap.
It’s a great place for duck fat as well, and everything on the menu and “retail shop” (very small part of the already small restaurant) is incredibly reasonably priced.
Sandrine French Pastry & Chocolate
Pastry chef Sandrine came from France in 2004 and she brought to Kelowna a bit of French culture – in the form of pastries, cakes, and macarons. J'adore!
Although I didn’t get to sample her pastry collection, I did take a two-hour pastry class which she offers to the public. It’s a fun activity and very easy since much of the prep work is already done for you. The classes are intimate with a maximum of six people and they take place in her professional kitchen at the store.
Summerhill Pyramid Winery
I’m familiar with their wines, but it was my first time dining at Sunset Organic Bistro, the winery’s on-site restaurant. The backdrop of your dining experience is views of the vineyard, lake, and mountains, so the ambiance is worth the visit alone; although Kelowna in the summer offers beautiful views almost all around.
Last, but not least, I have to give a shout out to pastry chef Kira Desmond, previously at Secret Location in Vancouver. She’s now at Mission Hill Winery, and if you follow her on Twitter (@SwtProvocateur) you can see what we’re missing out on. Bitter sweet.
As a “Summerologist” for Travelocity.ca, I’m happy to share with WE readers a discount code. Use promo code: QUICK12 to save an extra 12 per cent off on select hotels of $200+ on Travelocity.ca. #SeizeTheSummer
Find Mijune at Bambudda’s one-year anniversary party on July 10, at EBO Restaurant celebrating Chef Daniel Craig’s last day on July 11, at Khatsahlano! Festival on July 12, and at Vancouver’s Food Cart Festival July 13.
Find out more about Mijune at FollowMeFoodie.com or follow her on Twitter and Instagram @followmefoodie.
